Abstract

Many international policies encourage a switch from fossil fuels to bioenergy based on the premise that its use would not result in carbon accumulation in the atmosphere. Frequently cited bioenergy goals would at least double the present global human use of plant material, the production of which already requires the dedication of roughly 75% of vegetated lands and more than 70% of water withdrawals. However, burning biomass for energy provision increases the amount of carbon in the air just like burning coal, oil or gas if harvesting the biomass decreases the amount of carbon stored in plants and soils, or reduces carbon sequestration. Neglecting this fact results in an accounting error that could be corrected by considering that only the use of 'additional biomass' - biomass from additional plant growth or biomass that would decompose rapidly if not used for bioenergy - can reduce carbon emissions. Failure to correct this accounting flaw will likely have substantial adverse consequences. The article presents recommendations for correcting greenhouse gas accounts related to bioenergy.

Keywords

Bioenergy; Greenhouse gas emissions; Greenhouse gas accounting

Published in

Energy Policy
2012, Volume: 45, pages: 18-23
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Johnson, Richard

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Forest


Sustainable Development Goals

SDG7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
SDG12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


UKÄ Subject classification

Climate Research


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2012.02.051

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/42172